New Study Says Teens Now More Aware of the Needs of Others

SEATTLE, Feb. 24, 2009 — Though many U.S. adults consider today's teens to be selfish and lazy, nearly seven out of ten parents say the current economic climate has made their teens "more aware of the needs of others," according to a new World Vision study. The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, examines parents' perceptions of their teenagers during the current recession. The study also illustrates that more than half of parents say their teens support charities actively, for example, by volunteering time in a "fasting event" such as World Vision's upcoming 30 Hour Famine happening February 27th and 28th, 2009.

The survey offers a surprising picture of how teens are perceived today — both positively and negatively. The study reveals that three out of four adults (76 percent) describe teens as "tech-savvy" and about two out of three (67 percent) see them as "intelligent" but more than half also describe them as "selfish" (59 percent) and "lazy" (56 percent).

But the results also reflect an encouraging trend for charities like World Vision. About seven in ten (69 percent) say their teens are now more aware of the needs of others because of the current economic climate. And more than half (56 percent) say their teen actively supports charitable causes or organizations by volunteering their time or participating in events such as "fast days" like World Vision's 30 Hour Famine.

Pat Rhoads, World Vision's 30 Hour Famine National Program Manager says, "We're encouraged by these results. We wanted a better picture of how teens in America are feeling in the midst of this recession. This survey gives us a snapshot of what teens are thinking in 2009." Rhoads has been working with teens and 30 Hour Famine for the last six years. 30 Hour Famine has been working with teens since 1992.